Utmost have underlined their commitment to Amateur Rugby League by providing new kits, tracksuits and evening shirts to the County teams. Pictures of the new outfits can be seen by visiting the gallery.

Well, seeing as no-one from BARLA is going to seemingly get off their backside and mention it I will!!

Today, 4th May 2009, sees the Finals of this year's seemingly "forgotten" annual BARLA/Northern Rail National Youth Cups with three great games in prospect, though you'll disgracefully struggle to find any reference to them whatsoever on the BARLA website.

Six teams have worked hard to reach, what should be, the pinnacle of their game at National level down at Salfords' Willows ground and I, for one, hope that irrespective of the lack of respect for their achievements from the Association, that you'll join us to cheer on these future stars.

2pm sees our own NW Counties 13-15's Cup & Premier Division Champions Rylands Sharks take on Yorkshire Juniors Division Champions Shaw Cross Sharks in what promises to be an epic Battle of the Sharks!! Both sides have had fantastic seasons and the game could go either way but one thing's for sure ... you don't want to between those two when they clash!!

3.30pm sees Cumbria's Broughton Red Rose hoping to make history by becoming the first ever Cumbrian winners of the Under 16's title, but will have their work cut out when they face Humberside's Hull Isberg. A long journey ahead for both teams but come kick-off they'll be ready and anything less than 100% commitment could cost either team the title.

5pm and, oh my, what a game we have in store!! A real grudge match of the day between Leigh's two finest as Leigh Miners Rangers take on fierce rivals Leigh East!! Forget the title, this will give one or the other bragging rights for a whole season and decide who can stroll round town with their head held high. Miners may be the punters' favourites to come away with the Cup but no-one at Leigh East will believe the hype after giving them a major scare recently in the League and will equally be expecting to bring the Cup home to their new ground .... another cracker in store!!

Don't mope around in front of the telly ... get yourself down and join us for a great day out!

BTW BARLA ... that's how to promote an event!!! I'm sure Northern Rail will be delighted with the high profile you've given their kind sponsorship and can barely wait to put pen to paper on an extension!! Hmmmmm

John I didn't post seeking thanks, I did it because frankly no-one at BARLA could be bothered!!

These youngsters deserved their moment in the spotlight,having reached the pinnacle of the amateur game at their age-groups, and to not have it done by the Association is a complete insult to both them and the sponsors.

It is now Wednesday and there is still no results, pictures, match reports anywhere ... you have managed to find the time to post so why haven't others who's sole role is to deal with Public Relations???